To be honest, at the beginning I was going to steer clear of it due to the bhikkhuni controversy.

For this reason alone I might have flown or swum to Perth to ask to ordain as an anagarika there! Ajahn Brahm, like most heroes, took action when others would not and accepted the consequences. In the end, he's more supported than ever.

James, I wish you the best, but be mindful that Ajahn Brahm is on the leading edge of what I feel is the next wave in the Thai sangha, that being full support of women in the Sangha. As you know from his Dhamma talks, he's a progressive force. You have a rare opportunity to train with someone who represents the new wave, and I hope you see this as rarefied air, and not a hindrance. Anumodana!

BuddhaSoup wrote: You have a rare opportunity to train with someone who represents the new wave, and I hope you see this as rarefied air, and not a hindrance. Anumodana!

Ah yes, it certainly is great. The reason I was worried about going there was that monks from Ajahn Brahm's monastery are not exactly super-welcome at the other Ajahn Chah monasteries... they can come, but there might be some questions.I went to another Australian monastery and the abbot there was really negative about Bodhinyana, and discouraged me from visiting it.

Then, saturated with joy, you will put an end to suffering and stress.SN 9.11

I went to another Australian monastery and the abbot there was really negative about Bodhinyana, and discouraged me from visiting it.

Was that abbot in green robes, to reflect his jealousy?

James, you've done a really great thing, and I can't help but think that you'll feel you're in the company of some truly excellent people at Bodhinyana. I spent some time in a Wat in Thailand, and of course you hear of rivalries and negative comments about other wats and abbots. My guess is that with the training you receive under Ajahn Brahm and the other monks there, along with your demonstrated intellect and intuition on this forum, that you'll be welcome anywhere you go. It's going to be great to hear of your experiences there once you've spent some time in whites/robes. Again, congratulations and well done!

Thanks James, for your insightful sharing about Ajahn Brahm as a result of your experience with his monastery. So tired of reading about people who talk about Ajahns and teachers based on hearsay and whatever read on the internet. Ajahn Brahm talks have benefitted me tremendously good to hear good things about him again.

Today I got a phone call from the Guest Monk, saying "YES a place has become available, when would you like to come?"So now it's a matter of quitting my job (my work will not like that, oh dear) and selling my car, and getting rid of all my stuff or putting it in storage.I only have a carload of things anyway, so that will be easy.

GULP!

Then, saturated with joy, you will put an end to suffering and stress.SN 9.11

---The trouble is that you think you have time------Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe------It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---

He turns his mind away from those phenomena, and having done so, inclines his mind to the property of deathlessness: 'This is peace, this is exquisite — the resolution of all fabrications; the relinquishment of all acquisitions; the ending of craving; dispassion; cessation; Unbinding.' (Jhana Sutta - Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation)

Hey James i`m very happy for you its smegintastic. You are indeed one lucky fellow.Thanks for all of the detailed information. If you got more please keep it coming its very interesting.Well i can imagine that you have to wash a lot of dishes in the beginning but if you see that every single dish is an increase in your bank of karma it gives you a perception of achievement and accomplishment and soon you will get addicted to dish washing.Hopefully i will be able to wash your dishes one day

Higher than lordship over all earth, Higher than sojourning in heavens supreme, Higher than empire over all the worlds, Is Fruit of Entrance to the Dhamma Stream. —Dhammapada

Can you please provide me with advice also. I am interested in the monastic life and have been following the monastery and Ajahn Brahm for years now. But I live in New York... How would I apply for a long-term stay there and possible ordination in the long run?